Aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) are significant agricultural pests, recognized for their role as vectors of plant viruses and their direct damage to crops through sap extraction, impacting growth, vigor, and yield. Monitoring aphid populations is crucial for integrated pest management (IPM), enabling early detection and minimizing reliance on chemical control measures. This study aimed to examine the distribution, species composition, and population dynamics of aphids across six agricultural sites in South Africa—Christiana, Douglas, Cedara, Underberg, Fort Nottingham, and Highflight—using data from bucket and suction traps between 2006 and 2021. As part of a pilot study, bucket traps were initially deployed at a single site in Christiana to collect ground-level aphids at weekly intervals. These traps collected aphids from 31 species within 21 genera. Subsequently, suction traps were deployed continuously at six sites to capture airborne aphids as part of a national-scale monitoring effort. Aphids were morphologically identified, resulting in 168,869 individuals representing 68 species from 47 genera. Aphididae dominated (94.3%), followed by Pemphigidae (4%), with 1.4% unidentified. Rhopalosiphum padi was the most abundant species (31.4%), likely due to its polyphagous feeding behavior and year-round reproduction, supported by key host plants like maize, wheat, and potatoes. Seasonal peaks in abundance occurred in spring and autumn, correlating with moderate temperatures and host plant availability. Extreme summer and winter conditions led to population declines. Warmer, low-elevation regions (Christiana, Douglas) supported higher aphid populations compared to cooler, high-elevation sites (Cedara, Underberg, Fort Nottingham, Highflight). These findings provide insights into aphid ecology, offering a baseline for pest management strategies at a national level. Future research should integrate factors like pesticide regimes, host plant diversity, and viral transmission dynamics to improve pest and disease control.